I’ve been thinking about the communion rails in our Sanctuary.On Sundays as I kneel to partake of our Lord’s body and blood in the Sacrament, I’ve been looking at the communion rails. They’re looking a little worn – a little ragged. I’m not surprised though. They’ve been serving as our communion rails for nearly a quarter century. They’re scratched and dented. Some of the ends are chipped. You can see a few...

A few months before I was gonna graduate from college, I started to really think about the future. Graduating from college will do that to you. I started seriously thinking about what my future career would look like. My degree was in finance and banking. So, I was thinking like this: “One day, I’ll be a stockbroker, then...

For retailers, Christmas is already over. For the Church – for those who celebrate Christmas, not as the day to get stuff, but as the day to celebrate the birth of the Son of God – Christmas is just getting started. Last night, we began the 12 day celebration by hearing St. Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. We all know that story. We’ve heard it so many times. You can probably recite...

A little while back, I along with the family were invited to the First Communion for a son of a friend. I hadn't been in a Roman Catholic worship context in a long time. Another interesting tidbit is that I attended the Mass in my clerical collar. It was not by choice. I helped officiate a funeral at Hope just prior to the First Communion Mass. I had no time to change! So that made for some interesting dynamics...

Our 45th President was sworn into office yesterday. Many cheered and rejoiced. Many were not so joyous. Some protested, which is their Constitutional right to do so. Some caused violence, which is never righteous, nor a right of citizenship. Violence and mayhem do not help anything, save to prove the cowardice of the perpetrator.

I have heard and seen through media channels how difficult a time some people are having with the reality of a new administration. But...

Every early Sunday morning, during the short drive from home to parish, I listen to the same radio program: "On Being" with Krista Tippett. She brings on various guest to talk about and contemplate religion and spirituality. Rarely, she may have a Christian guest. Most are from all the other world religions, religions of their own creation, or people from the realm of science (which can itself be worshiped as a god.This past Sunday,...

I want to share something that I experienced Christmas Eve. While just a simple flashback, it became a profound moment for me of history repeating itself.

"Quirinius"

That was the word that started it all.

"kwye-Rin-ee-uhs."

I struggled to pronounce that name, almost 40 years ago. That Christmas Eve, my family and two other families at my home congregation, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO, were tasked with leading the family service. My job, and...

I preached this sermon a couple of years ago. I thought it appropriate on this election day. The text is Romans 13:1-10.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was difficult to watch the warzone now known to the world as Ferguson, MO. It was difficult for me because Ferguson is a community of the greater St. Louis area – the place I consider home. Businesses looted at will, fires, general mayhem – throw military vehicles into it, and it just...

When most people think of demon possession, their thoughts immediately go to images from the movie, "The Exorcist." Hollywood has a way of making lives and events and history more fantastic and extraordinary than they really are. But that's Hollywood. What about reality? Is demon possession real? What does it look like? Or can it be explained through our knowledge of science and medicine and psychology?

There really hasn't been much written on the subject, particularly in Lutheran circles, until recently....

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